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Decor Ideas for Vintage Kitchen Scales

By Rachel

published 04/08/2024

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Last Updated on December 13, 2024 by Rachel Granholm

Useful and practical, kitchen scales are making a comeback!

Have you ever walked into a kitchen and been transported back in time? The sight of vintage kitchen scales can do just that, evoking memories of simpler times and traditional cooking methods. But these charming pieces can also add a touch of nostalgia to any modern home, kitchen or otherwise. In this article, we will explore decor ideas for vintage kitchen scales!

Table of Contents

Repurposing Vintage Kitchen Scales into Chic Decor

From rustic farmhouse to classic elegance, get ready to be inspired by these decor ideas for vintage kitchen scales. Whether you’re a vintage enthusiast or simply looking to add a unique and personal touch to your space, there’s something for everyone in this guide.

So, let’s dive in and discover how these timeless pieces can elevate the aesthetic of your kitchen.

History of Vintage Kitchen Scales

The first kitchen scales used in homes were just like ones used in bakeries and commercial kitchens, just in a smaller version.

They were used by home cooks to measure food as well as ingredients for recipes. The earliest home kitchen scales date back to the wealthy Victorian homes and were made out of cast iron. They were typically black with some shiny accents like a brass balance and were quite heavy.

It needed to be accurate while still having a homey feel that could fit into an everyday kitchen.

At the beginning of the 1900’s, the use of scales started to move beyond the homes of the wealthy. By the end of the war most home kitchens were equipped with a scale.

They had become so popular that scale manufacturers started to produce colored scales to match some of the popular home decor colors of the time, including pastel yellow, green, and cream.

Shop Vintage Scales

Types of Vintage Kitchen Scales

Any type of food can be measured using a kitchen scale whether it is meat, fruit, vegetables, baking ingredients, or spices!

The type of scale used is dependent on the accuracy of the desired weight. Some scales are able to measure a small amount of an ingredient while other scales are better used for an estimated amount.

There are two types of scales that are were used and are still available today.

Balance Scales
These scales are made up of two platforms. One side is either a bowl shape or flat for the ingredient being weighed and the other side is flat for placing the actual weights.
Weights are added to the flat platform until the pointer on the front of the scale is at the mid-way point.
Mechanical Scales
This type of scale consists of one platform on top of the scale to hold the item being weighed. It is either flat or bowl shaped or has a removable bowl. The weight of the kitchen ingredient presses down on a spring inside the scale and moves the dial on the front to show the weight. These scales can measure up to 25 pounds and are typically made out of a lighter weight metal such as tin.

Value of Vintage Kitchen Scales

Scales from the early part of the 1900’s as well as the Victorian era are pretty hard to find. They can fetch a hefty price if the scale is in excellent condition and has all the original parts. Later scales, such as those from the 1930’s, have a much lower value because of their availability.

Basically, the pricing runs as low as $20 to well over $200 depending on the specifications listed above.

Decor Ideas for Vintage Kitchen Scales

Kitchen scales make very pretty decor pieces, even if they are rusty and dented. That’s what gives them character! When you find one that speaks to you, you give it new life!

Here are a few ways you can use kitchen scales in your home:

as a centerpiece on a table that holds a small vase with faux or fresh flowers
scales that include a bowl on top make great fruit holders for lemons, oranges, limes, or bananas
to hold a stack of cookbooks
unique bookends
as a candle holder
put a small potted plant on top
use for seasonal decorating

Closing Tidbits

Vintage kitchen scales are more than just functional tools for measuring ingredients – they are pieces of history that can add character and charm to our modern day lives.

Through the use of vibrant colors, unique styling, and creative displays, we can transform these scales into eye-catching decor pieces. By incorporating these ideas into our homes, we not only create a visually appealing space but also pay homage to the past.

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